Fly Away Home

When I first proclaimed, “Mexico is my home!” and we moved from our beautiful home in our little suburb of Chicago, truth be told, I had mixed emotions. I was very excited to move to a tropical locale, ahead of the impending winter weather, but I was also nostalgic. Would things be the same? Would I miss my cozy little home? Would I regret leaving behind the city I was born and raised in for the unknown of life abroad?

Fast forward four months and I am so happy we took the plunge!

Mazatlan has become home. It has become a place that I am excited to wake up to each morning. Mazatlan has opened doors and provided opportunities for me and for my family that we otherwise would not have gotten back in the States.

Why Mazatlan, Why Mexico?

People often ask me, why here, why now? Here are a few reasons. Twenty-eight, of them, to be specific!

1. Roosters crowing before dawn’s first breath.
2. Smiling and greeting the friendly municipal police on my corner.
3. Making runs to our favorite corner store for fresh paletas (fruit and ice popsicles).
4. Buying bakery fresh bread each day from a local family-owned panaderia.
5. Taking a casual stroll through the Plazuela Machado and listening to the birds serenading the sunlight in the trees.
6. Visiting the water service to watch as our garrafons (five gallon bottles) are sanitized and refilled with fresh water.

   

7. Shopping at the Pino Suarez main Mercado for fresh, delicious fruits and veggies.
8. Taking Sunday morning shopping trips with my dad to the Juarez Tianguis (flea market) where you can buy anything you can imagine.
9. Eating delicious street tacos for breakfast with fresh squeezed orange juice. For less than $2.50 USD!
10. Listening to the ocean waves crash on the Pacific shore while walking the kids to school.
11. Bearing witness to the jovial parties that start at 9pm and run until the wee hours of the morning.
12. Going horseback riding through the coconut plantations with my adventurous kiddos.

    

13. Taking mid-day pulmonia (open-air taxi) rides that whip my hair to and fro in the ocean breeze.
14. Buying fresh fish at Playa Norte fish market just as the boats bring in the daily catch.
15. Watching the kiddos enjoy Spanish language cartoon movies on half price movie day at the Gran Plaza movie theater.
16. Taking rides on the Ponga (small water taxi) to Isla de le Piedra to spend the day relaxing in the sun.
17. Walking to the Malecon (oceanfront boardwalk) to watch for the ‘green flash’ at sunset.

    

18. Drinking copious amounts of fresh house coffee with an ocean view at Looney Bean.
19. Pausing each morning to greet neighbors with, “Buenas Dias!” before beginning a glorious new day.
20. Getting adventurous on a Banana Boat ride off the Pacific coast (actually, that one is hubby’s, I’m still working up the courage).
21. Enjoying the fantastic breakfast buffet at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan overlooking the three islands.
22. Taking a lengthy mid-afternoon siesta with the kiddos, while a gentle breeze flows through the house.
23. Sharing (and enjoying) a delectable, freshly prepared lunch platter from Victor’s on the Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island).

    

24. Eighty-degree weather in December. Nuff Said!
25. Hearing the laughter and babble of children playing in the street while their parents and extended family enjoy a bit of afternoon relaxation.
26. Going for invigorating hikes up El Faro, highest lighthouse in the Americas.
27. Taking in a beautiful dance performance or musical concert at the historic Angela Peralta Theater.
28. Living ‘like the locals’ and learning to adapt to the beautiful culture, language and customs of the people who call this place home.

    

Mexico is My Home

Now that we are here, I can’t believe we’ve ever chosen to live anywhere else. Our kiddos are growing by leaps and bounds. My husband and I are able to enjoy a more peaceful, laid-back, family oriented lifestyle. We have cut many of our personal expenses by half which has enabled us to place greater focus on developing our family than on making money to pay bills.

Most importantly, we have learned how to slow down, to enjoy the little things in life. We celebrate more, we laugh more, we read more and we play more. All things that I feel are essential to a happy and whole existence.

Mexico is my home and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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